Chapter 636: Ye Zhuxi, the One Who Understands Human Affairs

June 16.

Night.

The summer heat is eased a bit by the evening breeze, but it cannot disperse the jubilant atmosphere inside the Duke of Wei's mansion.

Crimson palace lanterns hang throughout the eaves and corridors, and their warm yellow halos make the mansion's carved beams and painted rafters appear even more vivid.

The red silk drapes in the corridor sway lightly in the wind, complementing the gilt "joy" characters pasted on the window lintels, and even the phoenix tree leaves in the courtyard seem tinged with celebration.

The servants in the mansion move briskly, shuttling back and forth with smiles, yet they dare not raise their voices, keeping the merriment within low‑key congratulations.

On the stone steps at the center of the courtyard, Chen Yan stands there.

He is dressed in a large red wedding robe, its hem embroidered with dark‑gold patterns, making him look even more heroic and upright.

His black hair is tied high with a red jade hairpin, his eyebrows sharp as swords and eyes bright, a faint smile at his lips, while his gaze rests on the brightly lit joyous chamber ahead.

The evening breeze lifts the tassels at his robe's hem; he can't help but sigh softly, his tone tinged with sentiment: "Another concubine taken!"

After speaking, he shakes his head, lowers his gaze at his own wedding robe, a self‑mocking smile curling his mouth, and whispers teasingly: "It seems the road to becoming a stallion is getting longer..."

As soon as the words finish, he lifts his foot and walks toward the joyous chamber.

The carved wooden door is ajar; he pushes it lightly, and the hinge gives a soft click.

He had expected to see General Ye seated on the couch, demurely lowering her eyes.

Yet the scene before him makes Chen pause in surprise, then burst into laughter.

The red candles in the joyous chamber burn brightly, flooding the room with crimson light.

The concubine Ye Zhuxi, who should be seated on the couch, is not observing any formalities.

She too wears a large red wedding robe of fine cloud brocade, which makes her skin look especially vibrant.

Standing at 1.75 m, she appears a few inches taller than an average man.

At this moment she faces away from the door, standing beside a desk, holding a piece of osmanthus cake and eating it with relish, a crumb clinging to the corner of her mouth.

The desk is piled with a full plate of pastries and a pot of warm rice wine, clearly having been largely devoured.

Chen Yan leans against the doorframe, watching the woman's unabashed demeanor, his smile deepening as he teases, "Zhuxi, why are you still sneaking pastries?"

Ye Zhuxi turns at the sound, still chewing the cake, and blurts out vaguely, "I'm hungry!"

We've been bustling all day and still haven't eaten anything...

Considering the army's three‑times‑a‑day meals are usually so regular.

At this moment she can't be bothered to observe the rule that "the new wife must sit on the couch and wait quietly for her husband."

Speaking, she picks up a freshly unwrapped rose‑flavored pastry and waves it toward Chen Yan, her brows curving as she asks, "Want a piece?"

"This rose pastry is well made, sweet but not cloying; try it?"

Chen Yan is amused by Ye Zhuxi's breezy demeanor, steps into the room, pats his stomach, having stood in the courtyard for a while and entertained several waves of congratulatory guests, and feels rather hungry.

"Now that you mention it, I, the duke, am actually a bit hungry!"

Before the words finish, Ye Zhuxi flicks her wrist, and the rose pastry flies toward him.

Chen Yan's eyes are sharp and his hands quick; he reaches out, catches it steadily, puts it in his mouth, and the rose's fragrance mingles with the tender pastry crust—truly tasty.

Ye Zhuxi watches him catch the pastry, a faint smile appearing on her face.

Then she puts the pastry down, stands up, and stretches a lazy yawn carefree.

The fabric of her wedding robe loosens with the movement, revealing a sturdy wrist.

She lets out a long sigh, her tone full of ease and relaxation, as if a thousand‑pound burden has been lifted: "I'm finally free!"

Ye Zhuxi looks at the moonlight outside the window, bright light flickering in her eyes, and continues, "At last I no longer have to be bound by all those constraints, nor listen to people's gossip!"

"So comfortable!"

She appears unmistakably liberated from her original family.

Chen Yan watches Ye Zhuxi, his gaze suddenly landing on a small booklet at the corner of the desk.

The booklet is wrapped in plain brocade, looking quite exquisite.

Curious, he walks over, picks it up, and raises an eyebrow, asking, "What's this booklet of yours?"

"What does it say?"

Ye Zhuxi sees this and doesn't try to stop him; she explains earnestly, "Nothing much, just a list of gifts I plan to give the ladies of the mansion soon!"

She steps beside Chen Yan, points to the writing, and reads aloud, "Madam Pei is proficient in music, chess, calligraphy and painting, so I've prepared a rosewood zither contributed from the Western Regions."

"Madam Xiao loves arranging flora, so I've specially had rare flower seeds brought over."

"Madam Yun and Madam Wei enjoy games, so I've ordered a variety of odd curiosities!"

She speaks methodically, her eyes earnest, without any hint of perfunctory attitude.

It's as if she's back on the battlefield, commanding like a general!

Chen Yan looks at the gift list booklet in his hand, then lifts his eyes to Ye Zhuxi, a hint of surprise on his face.

He had thought General Ye to be carefree and disdainful of domestic scheming, yet never expected her to be so thoughtful and thoroughly prepared...

He studies her with interest, his tone teasingly playful: "Our General Ye even knows these twists and turns!"

Ye Zhuxi rolls her eyes at the teasing look and asks irritably, "What kind of look is that?"

She then lifts her head and chest, speaking confidently: "Though I am a warrior who often wields swords, I still understand human affairs!"

In the candlelight, Ye Zhuxi, clad in a red robe, has bright eyes; she lacks the usual feminine gentleness but possesses a distinct heroic spirit.

Chen Yan watches Ye Zhuxi's solemn demeanor, his smile uncontrollable, and he bows to her, his tone full of exaggerated praise: "Impressive!"

"Admiring, admiring!"

Ye Zhuxi, amused by his attitude, smiles broadly, mimicking the scholars, raises a hand in a feigned modest gesture and says, "No need to mention it! No need to mention it!"

The two exchange smiles, and the red candlelight in the room flickers, exuding an indescribable comfort.

Chen Yan's gaze returns to the half‑devoured pastries on the desk, and he can't help but ask, "Have you had enough of those pastries?"

"Of course not!" Ye Zhuxi blurted out without a second thought, then curled her lip, her tone full of complaint and grumbling. "These flashy, impractical things—they look delicate, but they're cloyingly sweet and don't fill you up at all..."

"They're barely enough to take the edge off your hunger."

Having spent so long in the military camp, eating big bowls of meat and drinking heavily, how could she stomach these delicate pastries that offered little satiety?

Chen Yan raised an eyebrow at this, a glint of cunning flashing in his eyes. Looking at Ye Zhuxi, he said with a hint of temptation in his voice, "How about we go out for some meat and wine?"

"The Dafengtai Tavern in Chengxi, Chang'an—their braised pork hock and scorched wine are second to none. I guarantee you'll eat your fill."

"Alright!" Ye Zhuxi responded instinctively. But no sooner had the words left her mouth than she seemed to think of something, and the excitement on her face faded slightly, a trace of hesitation coloring her brow. "But... but isn't this against the rules?"

"I just married in today. By custom, I should stay in the mansion and keep to the bridal chamber. If I go out late at night, word might get out, and people will gossip..."

Though she was a free-spirited sort, she also knew that some things couldn't be taken too far.

Chen Yan waved his hand dismissively, his tone carefree and casual. "It's our own household—why be bound by these stale formalities?"

"Besides, don't we need to fill our stomachs first?"

"Well said!" Ye Zhuxi's eyes lit up instantly at this. Looking at Chen Yan, her gaze was full of admiration, and her tone carried a hint of heartfelt sincerity. "I knew I didn't marry the wrong man!"

At these words, Chen Yan's heart inexplicably skipped a beat. Looking at Ye Zhuxi's bright eyes, he saw the light of the red candles reflected in them, and his own reflection as well.

He steadied himself, raised an eyebrow at Ye Zhuxi, and said in a light tone, "Come on, change into something more comfortable!"

"We'll set off right now!"

Ye Zhuxi agreed with a "good," turned, and went behind the screen.

In just a moment, she had changed into a moon-white close-fitting outfit, her hair casually tied into a ponytail. She looked spirited and heroic, with a touch of sharp efficiency.

Chen Yan also changed into a dark blue casual robe. Both in plain clothes, they silently slipped out of Weiguo Gongfu with Zhu Yi.

The night wind blew through the streets and alleys of Chang'an, carrying the coolness of a summer night.

Chatting and laughing all the way, they soon arrived at the Dafengtai Tavern.

The private room was clean and tastefully arranged, and from the window seat, they could see the lanterns on the street.

Before long, the waiter brought out a table full of wine and dishes. The braised pork hock was glossy and red, the scorched wine rich and mellow, along with several refreshing side dishes—all of which made Ye Zhuxi's mouth water.

The two didn't stand on ceremony; they picked up their chopsticks and dug in with gusto.

After several rounds of wine and a full course of dishes, their cravings were satisfied, and both wore looks of contentment.

"Drinking and eating meat is a bit dull. How about we play something?" Chen Yan looked at Ye Zhuxi, a glint of interest in his eyes.

Ye Zhuxi raised an eyebrow and asked, "Play what?"

"How about pitch-pot?" Chen Yan pointed to the pitch-pot equipment standing in the corner. "Just for fun."

"Sure!" Ye Zhuxi agreed readily.

She had practiced martial arts since childhood and had astonishing arm strength. A game like pitch-pot was a piece of cake for her.

The atmosphere in the private room instantly heated up.

Zhu Yi helped set up the arrows and the pot from the side. Chen Yan and Ye Zhuxi stood facing each other, taking turns throwing.

Ye Zhuxi was indeed skilled. Out of ten arrows, seven or eight landed steadily in the pot's mouth, drawing silent cheers from Zhu Yi on the side.

Chen Yan's skill was not bad either, but in the end, he was slightly inferior.

After another round of pitch-pot ended, Ye Zhuxi looked at her arrows that had gone in, then at Chen Yan's meager results, and couldn't help but burst into laughter: "Hahahaha!"

Her eyes crinkled with laughter as she picked up the wine bowl on the table and said loudly to Chen Yan, "Old Chen, you lost!"

"Drink up!"

Chen Yan didn't cheat; he picked up the wine bowl and downed a large bowl of scorched wine without hesitation.

The fiery liquor burned its way down his throat, leaving a scorching sensation, yet it also brought a rush of exhilaration to his heart.

He wiped the wine stains from the corner of his mouth, set the bowl down on the table, and declared loudly, "Another round!"

Ye Zhuxi showed no fear: "I'm game!"

The two went back and forth, having a great time. Laughter and the smell of wine mingled in the private room, carrying a rare sense of abandon.

Just then, Zhu Yi, who had been standing by the side all along, glanced at the sky outside the window. The night had grown deep, and the street lanterns were gradually thinning out.

He stepped forward and reminded them at the right moment, "Zhuguo, Madam Ye, it's getting late!"

"Time to return to the mansion!"

Chen Yan looked up at the window at this. The moonlight had shifted westward; it was indeed late.

He nodded, then reached out and patted Ye Zhuxi on the shoulder. A playful smile in his eyes, he said in an ambiguous tone, "Time for us to go back and get down to business!"

Ye Zhuxi was sharp-witted and instantly understood the deeper meaning in his words.

Her cheeks flushed slightly, but she showed no sign of coyness. Instead, she raised an eyebrow and said boldly, "Let's go!"

As she spoke, she even hooked her arm around Chen Yan's shoulder, her tone full of spirited challenge: "This general wants to see just what kind of spear technique our Chen Zhuguo has!"

"Let's go back and fight three hundred rounds!"